Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning assembly for vehicle roof

ABSTRACT

A vehicle roof assembly includes a roof that defines an aperture. A heating, ventilation, and air conditioning assembly is selectively disposed within the aperture. The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning assembly includes a housing defining an interior. The housing defines an intake and a vent opening. The intake is defined on a first side of the housing. A fan is disposed within the interior on a second side of the housing. The second side opposes the first side. A duct is disposed within the interior. The duct extends between the first side and the second side of the housing. The duct fluidly couples the intake with the vent opening.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure generally relates to a heating, ventilation, andair conditioning (HVAC) assembly. More specifically, the presentdisclosure relates to an HVAC assembly for a vehicle roof.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Vehicles may include an HVAC system for treating air that is directedinto a passenger cabin of the vehicle. The HVAC system generally directsair from external to the vehicle and expels the air into the passengercabin after treating the air. The HVAC system may also recirculate airfrom the passenger cabin to the passenger cabin after treating the air.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

According to at least one aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicleroof assembly includes a roof that defines an aperture. A heating,ventilation, and air conditioning assembly is selectively disposedwithin the aperture. The heating, ventilation, and air conditioningassembly includes a housing defining an interior. The housing defines anintake and a vent opening. The intake is defined on a first side of thehousing. A fan is disposed within the interior on a second side of thehousing. The second side opposes the first side. A duct is disposedwithin the interior. The duct extends between the first side and thesecond side of the housing. The duct fluidly couples the intake with thevent opening.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a heating,ventilation, and air conditioning unit for a vehicle roof includes ahousing having an inner perimeter that defines a central opening. Thehousing defines an intake and a vent opening. A sunroof is disposedwithin the central opening. The vent opening is defined by the innerperimeter of the housing proximate to the sunroof. A fan is disposedwithin the housing and is configured to draw air from the intake throughan interior of the housing. A duct extends through the interior of thehousing and around the sunroof. The duct defines an outlet in fluidcommunication with the vent opening of the housing.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a heating,ventilation, and air conditioning assembly for a vehicle roof includes ahousing that defines an intake in fluid communication with a ventopening. The housing defines an interior. An O-ring is disposed aroundthe housing and is configured to form a seal between the housing and thevehicle roof. At least one blower motor is disposed within the housing.The at least one blower motor is disposed on an opposing side of thehousing relative to the intake to draw air from the intake toward the atleast one blower motor. A duct extends within the interior of thehousing. The duct has a first inlet and a second inlet. Each of thefirst inlet and the second inlet are disposed proximate to the at leastone blower motor.

These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present disclosurewill be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art uponstudying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following is a description of the figures in the accompanyingdrawings. The figures are not necessarily to scale, and certain featuresand certain views of the figures may be shown exaggerated in scale or inschematic in the interest of clarity and conciseness.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a vehicle having an HVAC assembly coupled to a roof, accordingto the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a vehicle including an HVAC assembly, avehicle body, and a battery platform, according to the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 3A is a side perspective view of a vehicle that includes an HVACassembly, a battery platform, and a truck body, which is illustrated inphantom, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 3B is a side perspective view of a vehicle that includes an HVACassembly, a battery platform, and a van body, which is illustrated inphantom, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of an HVAC assembly for a vehicle roof,according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 5A is a partial side perspective view of an HVAC assembly with acover for an intake in an opened position, according to the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 5B is a partial side perspective view of an HVAC assembly with acover for an intake in a closed position, according to the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective view of an HVAC assembly for a vehicleroof, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of an HVAC system within an HVACassembly, where a housing of the HVAC assembly is illustrated inphantom, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the HVAC assembly of FIG. 7, takenalong lines VIII-VIII;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of a side of the HVAC assembly of FIG. 8,taken at area IX;

FIG. 10 is a bottom perspective view of an HVAC assembly that has a ductwith outlets, where a housing has been removed, according to the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 11A is a front perspective view of a shutter operably coupled to aduct of an HVAC assembly, with the shutter in an opened positionrelative to a duct outlet, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 11B is a front perspective view of a shutter operably coupled to aduct of an HVAC assembly, with the shutter in a closed position relativeto a duct outlet, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 12 is a partial side perspective view of an interior compartment ofa vehicle having an HVAC assembly coupled to a roof, according to thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 13 is a schematic view of a user interface coupled to a vehicledashboard and having a touch screen for receiving an input forcontrolling an HVAC assembly, according to the present disclosure; and

FIG. 14 is a block diagram of an HVAC assembly, according to the presentdisclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Additional features and advantages of the presently disclosed devicewill be set forth in the detailed description which follows and will beapparent to those skilled in the art from the description, or recognizedby practicing the device as described in the following description,together with the claims and appended drawings.

For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,”“left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivativesthereof shall relate to the concepts as oriented in FIG. 1. However, itis to be understood that the concepts may assume various alternativeorientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It isalso to be understood that the specific devices and processesillustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the followingspecification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive conceptsdefined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and otherphysical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed hereinare not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly stateotherwise.

As used herein, the term “and/or,” when used in a list of two or moreitems, means that any one of the listed items can be employed by itself,or any combination of two or more of the listed items, can be employed.For example, if a composition is described as containing components A,B, and/or C, the composition can contain A alone; B alone; C alone; Aand B in combination; A and C in combination; B and C in combination; orA, B, and C in combination.

As used herein, the term “about” means that amounts, sizes,formulations, parameters, and other quantities and characteristics arenot and need not be exact, but may be approximate and/or larger orsmaller, as desired, reflecting tolerances, conversion factors, roundingoff, measurement error and the like, and other factors known to those ofskill in the art. When the term “about” is used in describing a value oran end-point of a range, the disclosure should be understood to includethe specific value or end-point referred to. Whether or not a numericalvalue or end-point of a range in the specification recites “about,” thenumerical value or end-point of a range is intended to include twoembodiments: one modified by “about,” and one not modified by “about.”It will be further understood that the end-points of each of the rangesare significant both in relation to the other end-point, andindependently of the other end-point.

As used herein the terms “the,” “a,” or “an,” mean “at least one,” andshould not be limited to “only one” unless explicitly indicated to thecontrary. Thus, for example, reference to “a component” includesembodiments having two or more such components unless the contextclearly indicates otherwise.

In this document, relational terms, such as first and second, top andbottom, and the like, are used solely to distinguish one entity oraction from another entity or action, without necessarily requiring orimplying any actual such relationship or order between such entities oractions. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variationthereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that aprocess, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elementsdoes not include only those elements but may include other elements notexpressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, orapparatus. An element proceeded by “comprises . . . a” does not, withoutmore constraints, preclude the existence of additional identicalelements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprisesthe element.

Referring to FIGS. 1-14, reference numeral 10 generally designates aroof assembly for a vehicle 12 that includes a roof 14, which defines anaperture 16. A heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC)assembly 18 is selectively disposed within the aperture 16. The HVACassembly 18 includes a housing 20 that defines an interior 22. Thehousing 20 also defines an intake 24 and a vent opening 26. The intake24 is defined on a first side 28 of the housing 20. A fan 30 is disposedwithin the interior 22 on a second side 32 of the housing 20. The secondside 32 opposes the first side 28. The duct 34 is disposed within theinterior 22. The duct 34 extends between the first side 28 and thesecond side 32 of the housing 20. The duct 34 fluidly couples the intake24 with the vent opening 26.

Referring to FIG. 1, the vehicle 12 includes the roof 14 defining theaperture 16 in which the HVAC assembly 18 is selectively disposed. TheHVAC assembly 18 includes the housing 20, which is generally arectangular shape. The aperture 16 is sized and shaped to receive theHVAC assembly 18 in an interference or frictional fit. The housing 20includes a plurality of sides 38, which includes the first side 28, thesecond side 32, a third side 40, and a fourth side 42 to define therectangular shape.

The housing 20 includes an outer perimeter 44 collectively defined bythe sides 38. The outer perimeter 44 engages an edge of the roof 14 thatdefines aperture 16. The HVAC assembly 18 fills the aperture 16 to atleast partially enclose an interior compartment 46 of the vehicle 12.The housing 20 of the HVAC assembly 18 also has an inner perimeter 48collectively defined by the sides 38. The inner perimeter 48 defines arectangular shape and generally follows the outer perimeter 44. In thisway, a thickness of the interior 22 of the housing 20 is substantiallysimilar on each side 38 of the housing 20.

The inner perimeter 48 of the housing 20 defines an opening 60, which iscentrally located in the housing 20. Generally, the first side 28 of thehousing 20 is a vehicle-forward side of the housing 20 and the secondside 32 is a vehicle-rearward side of the housing 20. The first side 28is spaced from the second side 32 by the opening 60. The third side 40and the fourth side 42 are generally lateral sides that extend betweenthe first side 28 and the second side 32. The third side 40 is spacedfrom the fourth side 42 by the opening 60.

Referring still to FIG. 1, a sunroof 62 is disposed within the opening60 and is coupled to each side 38 of the housing 20 along the innerperimeter 48. The housing 20 extends around a perimeter of the sunroof62. The sunroof 62 substantially fills the opening 60. The sunroof 62and the housing 20 fill the aperture 16 and partially enclose theinterior compartment 46.

The vehicle 12 is illustrated as a truck; however, the vehicle 12 may bea sedan, a sport-utility vehicle, a van, a crossover, other wheeledmotor vehicles 12, or other styles or types of vehicles 12. The vehicle12 may be a manually operated vehicle 12 (e.g., operated with a humandriver), a fully autonomous vehicle 12 (e.g., operated without a humandriver), or a partially autonomous vehicle 12 (e.g., operated with orwithout a human driver). Additionally, the vehicle 12 may be utilizedfor personal or commercial purposes, such as, for transporting, rideproviding services (e.g., chauffeuring), or ride-sharing services.Further, the vehicle 12 may be an electric vehicle 12, such as a batteryelectric vehicle (BEV), or may have an internal combustion engine.

Referring to FIG. 2, in the illustrated example, the vehicle 12 isconfigured as a BEV. Generally, a BEV is an electric vehicle thatincludes one or more rechargeable batteries 70 to power the vehicle 12.In BEV examples, the vehicle 12 includes a platform 72 that houses thebattery 70. The platform 72 also provides support for components of thevehicle 12, such as wheels 74 and a body 80. The wheels 74 are generallyrotatably coupled to the platform 72. In certain aspects, the platform72 may also house drive units operably coupled to the wheels 74. Theplatform 72 may be utilized with various models and styles of thevehicle 12.

The vehicle 12 includes the shell or body 80 that couples to and issupported by the platform 72. The body 80, the platform 72, and the HVACassembly 18 cooperate to substantially form the interior compartment 46(FIG. 1) of the vehicle 12. The body 80 generally includes four sidesincluding a front, two lateral sides, and a top, leaving a bottom of thebody 80 open. When the body 80 is coupled to the platform 72, theplatform 72 is positioned to close the bottom of the body 80. Further,the body 80 includes the roof 14, which defines the aperture 16 thatselectively receives the HVAC assembly 18.

Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B, each of the platform 72 and the HVACassembly 18 may be utilized with different configurations of the body80. For example, in FIG. 3A, the body 80 is configured as a truck body82. The truck body 82 is coupled to the platform 72 and the HVACassembly 18 is disposed within the aperture 16 defined in the roof 14 ofthe truck body 82. In FIG. 3B, the body 80 is configured as a van body84. The van body 84 is disposed on the platform 72. The HVAC assembly 18is disposed within the aperture 16 defined in the roof 14 of the vanbody 84. The body 80 may have a variety of configurations depending onthe style or model of the vehicle 12. Many or all of the variousconfigurations of the body 80 can be used with the platform 72 and theHVAC assembly 18 described herein. The various vehicle bodies 80 mayhave common attachment points on or proximate to the roof 14 to engagethe HVAC assembly 18. Accordingly, the HVAC assembly 18 may beinterchangeably utilized with multiple styles of vehicles 12.

Referring again to FIG. 1, as well as FIG. 4, the HVAC assembly 18 is aself-contained module that can be selectively coupled with the roof 14of the vehicle 12. As previously stated, the HVAC assembly 18 includesthe housing 20 with the first side 28 opposing the second side 32 andthe third side 40 opposing the fourth side 42 to define the rectangularshape. An O-ring 90, or other sealing feature, extends along the outerperimeter 44 of the housing 20. The O-ring 90 engages the edge of theroof 14 that defines the aperture 16 to provide a seal between the HVACassembly 18 and the body 80. The O-ring 90 may be advantageous forpreventing water or debris from entering the interior compartment 46 ofthe vehicle 12 through the aperture 16.

The first side 28, generally the vehicle-forward side, of the HVACassembly 18 defines the intake 24. The intake 24 allows air from an areaexternal to the vehicle 12 to be introduced into the interior 22 of thehousing 20. It is contemplated that introduction of the air through theintake 24 may be passive, or alternatively a fan may be disposedproximate to the intake 24 to actively draw air through the intake 24.The intake 24 allows air to enter the HVAC assembly 18, be treated orprocessed, and be expelled into the interior compartment 46 (FIG. 1).

Referring still to FIG. 4, as well as to FIGS. 5A and 5B, a filter 92may be disposed proximate to the intake 24. The filter 92 may bedisposed within the housing 20 and may extend across a substantialportion, or all, of the intake 24. The filter 92 may be advantageous toprevent environmental aspects, such as water or debris, from enteringthe HVAC assembly 18 through the intake 24.

In various aspects, the housing 20 includes a cover 100 arranged on thefirst side 28 of the housing 20 proximate to the intake 24. The cover100 is generally operable between an opened position 102, as illustratedin FIG. 5A, and a closed position 104, as illustrated in FIG. 5B. Theoperation of the cover 100 selectively allows air to enter the housing20 through the intake 24. The cover 100 is generally independentlymovable relative to the remainder of the housing 20. The cover 100 maybe coupled to the remainder of the housing 20 via a hinge 106, allowingfor the independent operation of the cover 100. The hinge 106 may be ahinge assembly or a living hinge. The living hinge may be advantageousfor a more seamless appearance between the cover 100 and the remainderof the housing 20. When in the closed position 104, an edge 108 of thecover 100 abuts the O-ring 90. The engagement between the edge 108 andthe O-ring 90 seals the intake 24, thereby preventing air from enteringinto the HVAC assembly 18.

The cover 100 is operably coupled to a cover actuator 110, which isgenerally disposed within the housing 20. The cover actuator 110 isconfigured to operate the cover 100 between the opened position 102 andthe closed position 104. The cover actuator 110 may be a rack-and-piniongear assembly, a rotatable gear assembly, a telescoping actuator, alinear actuator, or another practicable assembly for moving the cover100 about the hinge 106. The cover 100 may be an integrally formedcomponent of the housing 20, or alternatively may be a separatecomponent coupled to the remainder of the housing 20 by the hinge 106.It is also contemplated that the housing 20 may be constructed to definethe intake 24 that does not close, such that the cover 100 remains inthe opened position 102.

Referring again to FIG. 4, as well as to FIG. 6, the housing 20 includesan exterior bezel 120 and an interior bezel 122. The exterior bezel 120is disposed adjacent to an outer surface 124 (FIG. 1) of the roof 14.The cover 100 may be integrally formed with or otherwise coupled to theexterior bezel 120. The interior bezel 122 is disposed proximate to aheadliner 126 (FIG. 12) within the interior compartment 46 of thevehicle 12. The exterior bezel 120 and the interior bezel 122 arecoupled to one another to define and enclose the interior 22 of thehousing 20. Generally, the exterior bezel 120 forms an upper portion ofthe housing 20 and the interior bezel 122 forms a lower portion of thehousing 20. Additionally or alternatively, the exterior bezel 120 isexposed to an area external to the vehicle 12, while the interior bezel122 is disposed within the interior compartment 46 (FIG. 1) of thevehicle 12.

The interior bezel 122 generally includes a grate 128, which extendsalong the inner perimeter 48 of each side 38 of the housing 20. Thegrate 128 appears as a continuous band-like feature that extends alongthe inner perimeter 48 and around the opening 60. The grate 128 definesthe vent opening 26, allowing air to be expelled from the interior 22 ofthe housing 20.

The intake 24 is defined in the exterior bezel 120 on an exterior sideof the sunroof 62. The vent opening 26 is defined on the interior bezel122 on an interior side of the sunroof 62. Accordingly, air that is inthe area external to the vehicle 12 travels through the intake 24,through the interior 22 of the housing 20, and is expelled on theopposing side of the sunroof 62 through the vent opening 26 into theinterior compartment 46. Due to the vent opening 26 being defined oneach side 38 of the housing 20, air is expelled in a 360° airflowpattern around the opening 60 of the housing 20.

Referring to FIG. 7, the HVAC assembly 18 houses an HVAC system 140 fortreating air that enters the housing 20 through the intake 24. The HVACsystem 140 generally includes a condenser 142, a compressor 144, a drier146, an expansion valve 148, and evaporators 150, 152, which are eachdisposed within the interior 22 of the housing 20. In this way, the HVACsystem 140 is selectively coupled to the roof 14 of the vehicle 12 (FIG.1). This positioning of HVAC system 140 optimizes space for additionalor alternative uses in a vehicle-forward portion of the vehicle 12 whereconventional HVACs are located. The HVAC system 140 may also includecondenser fans 154 disposed proximate to the condenser 142 to cool thecondenser 142. Additionally, the HVAC system 140 includes the fan 30,which generally includes two blower motors 156, 158. The blower motors156, 158 are disposed proximate to the evaporators 150, 152 to driveairflow through the HVAC assembly 18.

Generally, the HVAC system 140 cleans, cools, heats, regulates,ventilates, and/or dehumidifies air directed into the vehicle 12. Airenters through the intake 24, is processed by the HVAC system 140, andis expelled into the interior compartment 46. Tubing 160 and wiring 162(FIG. 9) extends between various components of the HVAC system 140. Thetubing 160 allows a refrigerant to be transferred through the HVACsystem 140, while the wiring 162 provides power to the HVAC system 140.

The compressor 144 is disposed on the fourth side 42 of the housing 20proximate to the condenser 142. The compressor 144 generally compressesthe refrigerant into a heated vapor, thereby putting the HVAC system 140into a high-pressure state. The pressure forces the refrigerant out ofthe compressor 144 through the tubing 160 throughout the HVAC system140.

The refrigerant travels from the compressor 144 to the condenser 142,where the refrigerant is cooled by the air passing over the condenser142. Generally, the refrigerant changes to a liquid as the refrigeranttravels through the condenser 142. The condenser 142 is disposed in thefirst side 28 of the housing 20 proximate to the intake 24.

The refrigerant then moves to the drier 146. The drier 146 is disposedon the third side 40 of the housing 20 proximate to the compressor 144.In this way, the drier 146 is on an opposing side of the housing 20relative to the compressor 144. The drier 146 operates to removemoisture from within the HVAC system 140. Further, the drier 146 mayinclude a filter that can trap contaminants that may be inside the HVACsystem 140.

The expansion valve 148 is disposed proximate to the drier 146 in thethird side 40 of the housing 20. The cooled refrigerant moves throughthe expansion valve 148, which creates a pressure drop. Generally, theexpansion valve 148 operates to turn the refrigerant into a gaseous formor a mist.

The two evaporators 150, 152 are disposed on the second side 32 of thehousing 20, which is an opposing side of the housing 20 relative to thecondenser 142. The refrigerant travels through the evaporators 150, 152in the gaseous or mist state to absorb heat from air that is movingthrough the evaporators 150, 152. The refrigerant then returns to thecompressor 144 to again be compressed.

As previously stated, the condenser 142 is disposed proximate to theintake 24. Air travels through the intake 24 and passes over thecondenser 142, removing heat from the condenser 142. The air thentravels through the interior 22 of the housing 20 to the second side 32of the housing 20. The airflow divides into two paths 166, 168 withinthe housing 20. One airflow path 166 extends from the first side 28,along the third side 40, and to the second side 32. The second airflowpath 168 extends from the first side 28, along the fourth side 42, andto the second side 32. Accordingly, the two airflow paths 166, 168generally form a circular pattern through the housing 20 around thesunroof 62.

The blower motors 156, 158 are disposed on the second side 32 of thehousing 20. The blower motors 156, 158 operate to draw the air from thefirst side 28 of the housing 20 to the second side 32. Additionally oralternatively, the blower motors 156, 158 push the air across the cooledtubes of the evaporators 150, 152 to deliver cooled air into the duct34. Accordingly, air travels through the intake 24 through the housing20 and into the duct 34.

Referring still to FIG. 7, as well as FIGS. 8 and 9, the duct isgenerally C-shaped. The duct 34 includes two ends 170, 172, which aredisposed adjacent to one another on the second side 32 of the housing20. The first end 170 is spaced from the second end 172 such that theduct 34 does not extend 360° through the housing 20. Each end 170, 172defines an inlet 174, 176, respectively. The first blower motor 156 isdisposed adjacent to the first inlet 174 and the second blower motor 158is disposed adjacent to the second inlet 176 to direct air into the duct34 at two locations.

The duct 34 extends from the first end 170 on the second side 32 of thehousing 20, along the third side 40, along the first side 28, along thefourth side 42, and again along the second side 32 to the second end172. Accordingly, the duct 34 extends substantially around the opening60 defined by the inner perimeter 48 of the housing 20. The air travelsthrough the first and second inlets 174, 176 and travels in two paths180, 182 along the length thereof. The first path 180 is defined fromthe first inlet 174, partially along the second side 32, along the thirdside 40, and partially along the first side 28. The second path 182 isdefined from the second inlet 176, partially along the second side 32,along the fourth side 42, and partially along the first side 28. Theairflow paths 180, 182 generally form an inner circular configuration.In this way, air travels in an outer circular configuration through thehousing 20 from the first side 28 to the second side 32, and then aninner circular configuration through the duct 34 from the second side 32to the first side 28.

The duct 34 defines multiple outlets 178 in a spaced apart arrangementalong a length of the duct 34. In the illustrated example, two outlets178 are defined on each of the first side 28 and the second side 32 ofthe housing 20, and three outlets 178 are defined on each of the thirdand fourth sides 40, 42 of the housing 20. The outlets 178 allow air toleave the duct 34 and enter the interior compartment 46 of the vehicle12.

As air travels along the length of the duct 34, away from the inlets174, 176, some air is expelled at each outlet 178 along the airflow path180, 182, respectively, while some air continues to travel through theduct 34 toward the first side 28. Air is expelled from each outlet 178,toward the opening 60 defined by the inner perimeter 48. The airremaining in the duct 34 on the first side 28 of the housing 20 may beforced through the outlets 178 on the first side 28 of the housing 20 bythe opposing airflow path 180, 182. Generally, the outlets 178 arearranged to open toward the inner perimeter 48.

Referring still to FIGS. 8 and 9, the HVAC system 140 and the duct 34are disposed within, and contained by, the housing 20. The HVAC system140 and the duct 34 extend around the opening 60 and, consequently,around the sunroof 62. In this way, the components of the HVAC system140 and the duct 34 are generally arranged in a square around thesunroof 62. The duct 34 is arranged substantially below the sunroof 62,which allows the outlets 178 to be arranged on an interior side of thesunroof 62.

Referring to FIGS. 10-11B, shutters 190 are operably coupled with theduct 34. The shutters 190 are independently operable between an openedposition 192, as illustrated in FIG. 11A, and a closed position 194, asillustrated in FIG. 11B, relative to the respective outlets 178. Eachsingle shutter 190 is generally associated with a single outlet 178. Theshutters 190 are independently operable to selectively open and closethe outlets 178. The shutters 190 allow for the airflow into theinterior compartment 46 to be controlled in a dynamic and flexible way.

The duct 34 generally defines a recessed region 196 around each outlet178. The shutter 190 is movable within the recessed region 196. In theillustrated example, the duct 34 defines elongated apertures 198 on eachside of each shutter 190. The elongated apertures 198 define themovement path of the shutters 190. Accordingly, the elongated apertures198 are positioned and sized to allow the shutters 190 to be fullydisposed over and fully removed from the outlets 178.

Through the elongated apertures 198, the shutters 190 generally engage ashutter actuation assembly 200. The shutter actuation assembly 200includes multiple shutter actuators 202, with each shutter actuator 202being associated with a single shutter 190. The shutter actuators 202may be a rail assembly, a rack and pinion gear assembly, a rotatablegear assembly, or other motorized actuator to adjust the shutters 190between the opened positions 192 and the closed positions 194. Theshutter actuators 202, when activated, may automatically adjust theposition of the shutters 190. Generally, the shutters 190 translatevertically between opened and closed positions 192, 194; however, theshutters 190 may slidably engage the duct 34 variety of directionsrelative to the outlets 178.

Referring still to FIG. 10, as well as FIG. 12, the HVAC assembly 18 isvisible within the interior compartment 46 of the vehicle 12. Generally,the HVAC assembly 18 extends over a first seating row 210 and a secondseating row 212. If additional seating rows are disposed within theinterior compartment 46 of the vehicle 12, the HVAC assembly 18 mayextend over the additional seating rows as well. The interior bezel 122and the grate 128 are visible proximate to the headliner 126 from withinthe interior compartment 46. The interior bezel 122 with the grate 128generally obscures the duct 34 and the shutters 190 from the view ofpassengers or occupants within the interior compartment 46. In this way,the passengers may not be able to view which shutters 190 are in openedor closed positions 192, 194 by viewing the HVAC assembly 18.

The air is expelled through the outlets 178 around the perimeter of theopening 60, through the vent opening 26, and into the interiorcompartment 46. Accordingly, the air flowing into the interiorcompartment 46 has a substantially 360° airflow pattern around the HVACassembly 18. Additionally or alternatively, the grate 128 may operate todiffuse the air being expelled from the outlets 178 to furthercontribute to this 360° airflow pattern. As the HVAC assembly 18 isdisposed over both the first seating row 210 and the second seating row212, the 360° airflow pattern provides a similar airflow experience topassengers within each seating row 210, 212 by more evenly distributingair being expelled the HVAC assembly 18.

Referring still to FIG. 12, as well as FIGS. 13 and 14, the vehicle 12may include a dashboard 220 disposed in the interior compartment 46. Auser interface 222 may be coupled to the dashboard 220. The userinterface 222 may receive inputs relating to the control of the HVACassembly 18. The user interface 222 may be utilized to operate the coveractuator 110, the HVAC system 140, the shutter actuation assembly 200,or a combination thereof. In the illustrated example of FIG. 13, theuser interface 222 includes a display 224 that receives a touch inputfrom a passenger or occupant of the vehicle 12. The display 224 includesa graphical illustration of the vehicle 12 where the passenger mayselect certain outlets 178 to be opened, thereby creating differentzones within the interior compartment 46. As illustrated, thevehicle-forward and the vehicle-left side outlets 178 are selected to bein the opened position 192, while the outlets 178 on the vehicle-rightside and the vehicle-rearward side of the HVAC assembly 18 are to remainin the closed position 194.

The user interface 222 is communicatively coupled to a controller 230 ofthe HVAC assembly 18. The controller 230 has a processor 232, a memory234, and other control circuitry. Instructions or routines 236 arestored within the memory 234 and executable by the processor 232. Thecontroller 230 may be in communication with an overall control unit ofthe vehicle 12. The controller 230 is in communication with at least theHVAC system 140, the cover actuator 110, and the shutter actuationassembly 200 of the HVAC assembly 18. The input provided to the userinterface 222 is communicated to the controller 230, which thenactivates, deactivates, or adjusts the corresponding component of theHVAC assembly 18 in response to the input.

The user interface 222 can receive the input via the display 224, amicrophone 238, a sensor 240, or combination thereof. When using themicrophone 238, the user interface 222 may receive a voice command. Whenutilizing the sensor 240, the user interface 222 may sense a gestureproximate to the user interface 222. The sensor 240 may be a gesturesensor, proximity sensor, capacitive sensor, or another practicablesensor to receive the input from the user.

Referring to FIGS. 1-14, the HVAC assembly 18 is a self-contained modulethat can be selectively coupled to the roof 14 of the vehicle 12. TheHVAC assembly 18 may be utilized with a variety of vehicle body 80configurations. THE HVAC assembly 18 houses the HVAC system 140 forproviding treated air to the interior compartment 46 from proximate tothe headliner 126. The cover 100 is adjusted to the opened position 102via the cover actuator 110 to allow air to enter the housing 20. The airtravels over the condenser 142 and through the interior 22 of thehousing 20 around the sunroof 62. The air is pushed over the evaporators150, 152 by the blower motors 156, 158 and into the duct 34. The airtravels through the duct 34 and is expelled through the outlets 178where the associated shutters 190 are in the opened position 192. Theair travels through the vent opening 26 of the housing 20 and into theinterior compartment 46. With all the shutters 190 in the openedpositions 192, the air is expelled into the interior compartment 46 in a360° airflow pattern, providing a similar airflow to passengers in thefirst seating row 210 and the second seating row 212.

Use of the present device may provide for a variety of advantages. Forexample, the HVAC system 140 is disposed within the HVAC assembly 18coupled to the roof 14, thereby providing additional space within theinterior compartment 46. Additionally, the housing 20 extends around asunroof 62, creating the self-contained roof module. Also, theself-contained HVAC assembly 18 may be selectively coupled with variousstyles or configurations of vehicle 12. Further, the shutters 190 may beindependently operated to open and close selected outlets 178 to providea dynamic and personalized airflow pattern within the vehicle 12.Moreover, the HVAC assembly 18 extends over each of the first and secondseating rows 210, 212 within the interior compartment 46, providing asimilar airflow experienced to passengers in each seating row 210, 212.Additionally, the configuration and positioning of the HVAC assembly 18may improve the experience the passenger has within the vehicle 12.Moreover, in BEV examples, the positioning of the HVAC assembly 18provides space for more dynamic interiors where the HVAC system 140 isnot utilized for cooling an internal combustion engine. Additionalbenefits and/or advantages may be realized and/or achieved.

According to various examples, a vehicle roof assembly includes a roofthat defines an aperture. A heating, ventilation, and air conditioningassembly is selectively disposed within the aperture. The heating,ventilation, and air conditioning assembly includes a housing definingan interior. The housing defines an intake and a vent opening. Theintake is defined on a first side of the housing. A fan is disposedwithin the interior on a second side of the housing. The second sideopposes the first side. A duct is disposed within the interior. The ductextends between the first side and the second side of the housing. Theduct fluidly couples the intake with the vent opening. Embodiments ofthe present disclosure may include one or a combination of the followingfeatures:

-   -   the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning assembly includes        a condenser, a compressor, a drier, an expansion valve, and an        evaporator, and wherein each of the condenser, the compressor,        the drier, the expansion valve, and the evaporator is disposed        within the interior of the housing;    -   the housing has an inner perimeter that defines a central        opening;    -   the vent opening extends along the inner perimeter of the        housing around the central opening to direct air from the duct        toward the central opening;    -   a sunroof coupled to the inner perimeter of the housing and        disposed within the central opening, wherein the housing extends        around the sunroof;    -   the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning assembly includes        a shutter slidably engaged with the duct to open and close an        outlet of the duct; and    -   the housing includes an exterior bezel and an interior bezel,        wherein the exterior bezel defines the intake and the interior        bezel defines the vent opening.

According to various examples, a heating, ventilation, and airconditioning unit for a vehicle roof includes a housing having an innerperimeter that defines a central opening. The housing defines an intakeand a vent opening. A sunroof is disposed within the central opening.The vent opening is defined by the inner perimeter of the housingproximate to the sunroof. A fan is disposed within the housing and isconfigured to draw air from the intake through an interior of thehousing. A duct extends through the interior of the housing and aroundthe sunroof. The duct defines an outlet in fluid communication with thevent opening of the housing. Embodiments of the present disclosure mayinclude one or a combination of the following features:

-   -   the intake is defined on a first side of the sunroof and the        vent opening is defined on a second side of the sunroof;    -   a shutter operably coupled to the duct, wherein the shutter is        configured to slidably engage the duct to open and close the        outlet;    -   an actuator operably coupled to the shutter to adjust a position        of the shutter relative to the outlet, a controller        communicatively coupled to the actuator; and a user interface        communicatively coupled to the controller, wherein the        controller adjusts the position of the shutter via the actuator        in response to an input received by the user interface;    -   the housing includes a cover, wherein the cover is operable        between a first position and a second position to open and close        the intake;    -   an O-ring extending along an outer perimeter of the housing and        configured to form a seal between the housing and the vehicle        roof;    -   a condenser disposed within the housing proximate to the intake        and an evaporator disposed within the housing proximate to the        fan, wherein the condenser is disposed on an opposing side of        the sunroof relative to the evaporator; and    -   the housing includes a grate that extends along the inner        perimeter thereof, and wherein the grate defines the vent        opening.

According to various examples, a heating, ventilation, and airconditioning assembly for a vehicle roof includes a housing whichdefines an intake in fluid communication with a vent opening. Thehousing defines an interior. An O-ring is disposed around the housingand configured to form a seal between the housing and the vehicle roof.At least one blower motor is disposed within the housing. The at leastone blower motor is disposed on an opposing side of the housing relativeto the intake to draw air from the intake toward the at least one blowermotor. A duct extends within the interior of the housing. The duct has afirst inlet and a second inlet. Each of the first inlet and the secondinlet are disposed proximate to the at least one blower motor.Embodiments of the present disclosure may include one or a combinationof the following features:

-   -   the at least one blower motor includes a first blower motor        disposed proximate to the first inlet and a second blower motor        disposed proximate to the second inlet;    -   the duct extends from proximate to the first blower motor on a        first side of the housing toward a second side of the housing        that defines in the intake, wherein the duct extends from the        second side of the housing toward the second blower motor;    -   the duct defines multiple outlets in fluid communication with        the vent opening, wherein the multiple outlets are spaced apart        along a length of the duct; and    -   a condenser disposed within the interior of the housing        proximate to the intake and an evaporator disposed within the        interior of the housing proximate to the at least one blower        motor.

For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” (in all of itsforms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the joining oftwo components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to oneanother. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature.Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical ormechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrallyformed as a single unitary body with one another or with the twocomponents. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removableor releasable in nature unless otherwise stated.

The various illustrative logical blocks, modules, controllers, andcircuits described in connection with the embodiments disclosed hereinmay be implemented or performed with application specific integratedcircuits (ASICs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), generalpurpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs) or other logicdevices, discrete gates or transistor logic, discrete hardwarecomponents, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functionsdescribed herein. A general purpose processor may be any conventionalprocessor, controller, microcontroller, state machine or the like. Aprocessor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices,e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality ofmicroprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSPcore, or any other such configuration.

It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement ofthe elements of the invention as shown in the exemplary examples isillustrative only. Although only a few examples of the presentinnovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, thoseskilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciatethat many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes,dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements,values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors,orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novelteachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example,elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple partsor elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, theoperation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, thelength or width of the structures and/or members or connectors or otherelements of the system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustmentpositions provided between the elements may be varied. It should benoted that the elements and/or assemblies of the system might beconstructed from any of a wide variety of materials that providesufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors,textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications areintended to be included within the scope of the present innovations.Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be madein the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired andother exemplary examples without departing from the spirit of thepresent innovations.

Modifications of the disclosure will occur to those skilled in the artand to those who make or use the disclosure. Therefore, it is understoodthat the embodiments shown in the drawings and described above aremerely for illustrative purposes and not intended to limit the scope ofthe disclosure, which is defined by the following claims, as interpretedaccording to the principles of patent law, including the doctrine ofequivalents.

It is to be understood that variations and modifications can be made onthe aforementioned structure without departing from the concepts of thepresent disclosure, and further it is to be understood that suchconcepts are intended to be covered by the following claims unless theseclaims by their language expressly state otherwise.

What is claimed is:
 1. A vehicle roof assembly, comprising: a roof thatdefines an aperture; a heating, ventilation, and air conditioningassembly selectively disposed within the aperture, wherein the heating,ventilation, and air conditioning assembly includes: a housing definingan interior, wherein the housing defines an intake and a vent opening,and wherein the intake is defined on a first side of the housing; a fandisposed within the interior on a second side of the housing, whereinthe second side opposes the first side; and a duct disposed within theinterior, wherein the duct extends between the first side and the secondside of the housing, and wherein the duct fluidly couples the intakewith the vent opening.
 2. The vehicle roof assembly of claim 1, whereinthe heating, ventilation, and air conditioning assembly includes acondenser, a compressor, a drier, an expansion valve, and an evaporator,and wherein each of the condenser, the compressor, the drier, theexpansion valve, and the evaporator is disposed within the interior ofthe housing.
 3. The vehicle roof assembly of claim 1, wherein thehousing has an inner perimeter that defines a central opening.
 4. Thevehicle roof assembly of claim 3, wherein the vent opening extends alongthe inner perimeter of the housing around the central opening to directair from the duct toward the central opening.
 5. The vehicle roofassembly of claim 3, further comprising: a sunroof coupled to the innerperimeter of the housing and disposed within the central opening,wherein the housing extends around the sunroof.
 6. The vehicle roofassembly of claim 1, wherein the heating, ventilation, and airconditioning assembly includes a shutter slidably engaged with the ductto open and close an outlet of the duct.
 7. The vehicle roof assembly ofclaim 1, wherein the housing includes an exterior bezel and an interiorbezel, wherein the exterior bezel defines the intake and the interiorbezel defines the vent opening.
 8. A heating, ventilation, and airconditioning unit for a vehicle roof, comprising: a housing having aninner perimeter that defines a central opening, wherein the housingdefines an intake and a vent opening; a sunroof disposed within thecentral opening, wherein the vent opening is defined by the innerperimeter of the housing proximate to the sunroof; a fan disposed withinthe housing and configured to draw air from the intake through aninterior of the housing; and a duct extending through the interior ofthe housing and around the sunroof, wherein the duct defines an outletin fluid communication with the vent opening of the housing.
 9. Theheating, ventilation, and air conditioning unit of claim 8, wherein theintake is defined on a first side of the sunroof and the vent opening isdefined on a second side of the sunroof.
 10. The heating, ventilation,and air conditioning unit of claim 8, further comprising: a shutteroperably coupled to the duct, wherein the shutter is configured toslidably engage the duct to open and close the outlet.
 11. The heating,ventilation, and air conditioning unit of claim 10, further comprising:an actuator operably coupled to the shutter to adjust a position of theshutter relative to the outlet; a controller communicatively coupled tothe actuator; and a user interface communicatively coupled to thecontroller, wherein the controller adjusts the position of the shuttervia the actuator in response to an input received by the user interface.12. The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning unit of claim 8,wherein the housing includes a cover, and wherein the cover is operablebetween a first position and a second position to open and close theintake.
 13. The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning unit of claim8, further comprising: an O-ring extending along an outer perimeter ofthe housing and configured to form a seal between the housing and saidvehicle roof.
 14. The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning unit ofclaim 8, further comprising: a condenser disposed within the housingproximate to the intake; and an evaporator disposed within the housingproximate to the fan, wherein the condenser is disposed on an opposingside of the sunroof relative to the evaporator.
 15. The heating,ventilation, and air conditioning unit of claim 8, wherein the housingincludes a grate that extends along the inner perimeter thereof, andwherein the grate defines the vent opening.
 16. A heating, ventilation,and air conditioning assembly for a vehicle roof, comprising: a housingdefining an intake in fluid communication with a vent opening, whereinthe housing defines an interior; an O-ring disposed around the housingand configured to form a seal between the housing and said vehicle roof;at least one blower motor disposed within the housing, wherein the atleast one blower motor is disposed on an opposing side of the housingrelative to the intake to draw air from the intake toward the at leastone blower motor; and a duct extending within the interior of thehousing, wherein the duct has a first inlet and a second inlet, andwherein each of the first inlet and the second inlet are disposedproximate to the at least one blower motor.
 17. The heating,ventilation, and air conditioning assembly of claim 16, wherein the atleast one blower motor includes a first blower motor disposed proximateto the first inlet and a second blower motor disposed proximate to thesecond inlet.
 18. The heating, ventilation, and air conditioningassembly of claim 17, wherein the duct extends from proximate to thefirst blower motor on a first side of the housing toward a second sideof the housing that defines in the intake, and wherein the duct extendsfrom the second side of the housing toward the second blower motor. 19.The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning assembly of claim 16,wherein the duct defines multiple outlets in fluid communication withthe vent opening, and wherein the multiple outlets are spaced apartalong a length of the duct.
 20. The heating, ventilation, and airconditioning assembly of claim 16, further comprising: a condenserdisposed within the interior of the housing proximate to the intake; andan evaporator disposed within the interior of the housing proximate tothe at least one blower motor.